POSITION: Communications ManagerHOURS OF WORK: Full-time; occasional evening. REPORTS TO: Director of Programs & ServicesWAGE RANGE: Starting at $85,000 + depending on education and experiencePOSITION OVERVIEWSȾÁUTW First Nation is seeking a Communications Manager to lead clear, timely, culturally grounded, and coordinated communications across the organization. Reporting to the Director of Programs & Services, this position develops and implements communication strategies, manages internal and external communications, supports community engagement, and strengthens the Nation's public presence across print, digital, social media, and community channels.
The Communications Manager works closely with the Director of Programs & Services, Executive Director, department leaders, employees, community members, and external partners to ensure communications are accurate, accessible, respectful, and aligned with approved priorities, organizational policies, confidentiality requirements, and SȾÁUTW values. The role requires strong strategic judgment, excellent writing and editing skills, careful handling of sensitive information, media awareness, and a community-focused approach that reflects cultural safety, transparency, and trust.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Develop and maintain an organization-wide communications strategy, annual work plan, editorial calendar, communication standards, and communication plans for major initiatives, events, organizational changes, emergencies, and public announcements.
- Lead the preparation and coordinated distribution of community notices, newsletters, updates, event materials, reports, presentations, and public information through the SȾÁUTW app, website, social media, email, print, digital displays, and community posting locations.
- Support the Executive Director, Chief and Council, and department leaders with briefing notes, key messages, speaking notes, correspondence, presentation materials, and communication plans for priority initiatives.
- Manage internal communications through the staff intranet, leadership messages, staff notices, operational updates, calendars, email, and other approved channels.
- Provide editorial oversight and content governance for the SȾÁUTW app, public website, staff intranet, and Council intranet, including publishing workflows, approvals, access, privacy, records management, archiving, and content audits.
- Write, edit, proofread, format, and publish clear, accessible, high-quality content using consistent SȾÁUTW terminology, voice, visual identity, accessibility standards, and cultural protocols.
- Coordinate media inquiries and prepare approved responses, news releases, backgrounders, key messages, spokesperson materials, and emergency or crisis communications.
- Protect confidential, personal, culturally sensitive, privileged, and embargoed information, and maintain appropriate consent and release processes for photographs, recordings, testimonials, and member stories.
- Monitor media coverage, digital engagement, public feedback, emerging issues, misinformation, and reputational risks; prepare reports and recommendations to improve communication effectiveness.
- Manage communication projects, service providers, contractors, budgets, schedules, and deliverables within approved authorities, and provide practical communication tools and guidance to departments.
- Support organizational events, public meetings, campaigns, annual reporting, strategic initiatives, and other related duties within the scope of the position.
WORKING CONDITIONS- Office-based environment with regular use of computers, digital platforms, cameras, and office equipment, along with regular interaction with leadership, staff, community members, media, vendors, and external partners.
- Occasional travel may be required for meetings, events, photography, training, and community engagement.
- Occasional evening, weekend, or on-call work may be required during events, emergencies, or time-sensitive communication needs.
QUALIFICATIONS- Post-secondary degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Indigenous Studies, Business Administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible communications experience, including strategy, writing, digital content, media relations, and project coordination.
- Demonstrated experience preparing executive, community, public, and organizational communications for diverse audiences.
- Experience managing websites, social media channels, email distribution tools, content calendars, digital analytics, and common content-management tools.
- Advanced writing, editing, proofreading, storytelling, presentation, and plain-language communication skills.
- Strong knowledge of communication planning, audience analysis, brand management, media relations, digital engagement, accessibility, privacy, consent, and evaluation.
- Sound judgment regarding confidentiality, cultural information, political sensitivity, reputational risk, approvals, and escalation.
- Strong project management, planning, prioritization, quality-control, relationship-building, and deadline-management skills.
- Ability to remain calm, accurate, responsive, and professional during urgent, sensitive, or high-profile communication situations.
- Previous experience working with First Nations, Indigenous organizations, governments, or community-based organizations is strongly preferred.
- Training or experience in cultural safety, emergency communications, media relations, accessibility, or trauma-informed practice is an asset.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 and common website, social media, design, email marketing, photography, and content-management tools.
- A valid BC Driver's Licence is an asset and may be required depending on operational needs.
- Must be able to provide a clear Criminal Record Check, including a vulnerable sector check where required.
HOW TO APPLYInterested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and résumé outlining their qualifications and interest in the position. Email all applications attention to Shelley Green to [redacted]
OTHER FACTORS Culture/LanguageRespect for and working knowledge of the WSÁNEĆ culture and SENĆOŦEN language is required.
Personal Attributes Maintains strict confidentiality in performing their duties and demonstrates the following personal attributes: Respect, Empathy, Strength, Pride and Equality.
Our benefits package includes:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 19, 2026 at 4:00pm. 
